Order of operations

[Joeandmack]

Plan on lining my gas tank with red kote. I Also plan on painting the exterior of the tank. The exterior of the tank has a little surface rust and a thin layer of pinkish red paint. I plan on sanding with sand paper and wire wheels before priming and painting (using cans for both). Which course of action do you think should come first, and why? In my mind as long as I am careful and clean in both operations, it wouldn’t make a hill of beans worth of difference, but what do I know? I value people’s experiences and thoughts. Thanks for the advice in advance.

[Jim Becker]

Do the inside first. You aren't going to damage the inside while refinishing the outside. But there will be opportunities to do cosmetic damage to the outside while working on the inside.

[Eugene]

Inside/Redkot first. It may take a couple days for the Redkot to fully cure. You can work on the outside of the tank as Redkot cures, but remember uncured Redkot is flammable.

[indy61]

I've never used Red Kote or any fuel tank liners. I would like to know how well it holds up after a few years. Most reviews are shortly after use.
I think if my tank was badly rusted inside I would try to have it done professionally. Mine wasn't too bad but it did have some rust flakes floating around that would clog the fuel outlet occasionally. I went with an in-tank filter instead and it has worked very well.

[Eugene]

I did my standard Cub's tank with Redkot way back when, 15 years ago? Still holding up. Still thinking. I did several fuel tanks in Iowa and that was over 30 years ago. I've done smaller tanks such as the Cub Cadet tanks and a walk behind tractor.

Be sure the Redkot is fully cured. Set tank in sun for several days. Gasoline to soon and it will dissolve the Redkote.

You are going to have more than enough Redkote for the Cub's tank, so, at the same time, do another smaller tank. Leftovers do not store.

[Gary Dotson]

I agree, do the Red Coat first. When applying the liner, you will be rolling the tank around a good bit, to get the entire inside covered. It’s best not to be doing that with a fresh painted tank.